HOBOKEN, N.J., June 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L) announced the winners of the 13th annual Certiport 2026 Adobe Certified Professional U.S. National Championship. Hosted in Nashville, TN, this year’s event drew 41 finalists from thousands of students (ages 13–22) across the U.S. who qualified by earning an Adobe Certified Professional certification in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign.
By mastering Adobe Creative Cloud software and actively participating in the competition, students not only build their confidence but also develop essential creative skills that are highly valued in today’s digital landscape. This hands-on experience provides students with opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills, preparing them for future careers in a world increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence and technological innovation.
The winners:
- First: Hannah Forbes, Florida
- Second: Emily Torres, Florida
- Third: Lulu Emanuele, Ohio
- Fourth: Adelaide Burk, Oklahoma
- Fifth: Annabel Messerle, Maryland
- Sixth: Alexandra Acosta Wettel, Florida
- Seventh: Payton Earwood, North Carolina
- Eighth: Christian Miller, Oklahoma
- Ninth: Srushti Swami, Georgia
- Tenth: Meghan Bartch, Illinois
Why it matters: “Achieving an Adobe certification and participating in this competition help students build self-assurance, acquire important skills, and lay a solid foundation for their professional futures. We are proud to support their progress and recognize the remarkable talents they offer to the design industry. Earning Adobe certifications and excelling in this event marks the beginning of a promising career,” said Laura Peterson, Managing Director of Professional Assessments at Pearson.
What’s next: The top three finalists will now advance to the Certiport Adobe Certified Professional World Championship in Anaheim, CA, July 27–30. Finalists from more than 30 countries will come to the World Championship and demonstrate their proficiency using Adobe Creative Cloud, competing for the world champion title.
The Adobe Certified Professional credential is highly valued in the digital media and design industry. It serves as objective, globally recognized proof of software and design capabilities, helping students bridge the gap between creative passion and professional hiring requirements. Learn more about the Adobe Certified Professional U.S. National Championship here.
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About Pearson
At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realize the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That’s why our c. 18,000 Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world’s lifelong learning company, serving customers in nearly 200 countries with digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data. For us, learning isn’t just what we do. It’s who we are. Visit us at plc.pearson.com.
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SOURCE Pearson
